Modo Mio
Bread – Olive Oil, Balsamic
Marinated Mushrooms – Olive Oil
Bee Sting – Bar Hill Gin, Liquid Alchemist Ginger, Honey, Lemon, Bee Pollen
Short Rib Ragout – Short Rib Ragout cooked in Burgundy Wine Sauce, Handmade Pappardelle
Lasagna Carne – Handmade Spinach Pasta Sheets, Bolognese, Sausage, Herbed Ricotta, Marinara Sauce
Pignoli – Penne Pasta, Free Range Chicken, Broccoli, Sun dried Tomato, Pine Nuts, Modo Mio Sauce
Shrimp Scampi – Prawns sautéed in White Wine, Lemon, Garlic, Grilled Tomato, Arugula, Spaghetti
Osso Bucco – Veal Shank Braised in Red Wine Reduction, Saffron Risotto
Tiramisu – Ladyfinger Cookies soaked in Espresso, Kahlua, Mascarpone Cream
Lemon Cheesecake – Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake, Graham Cracker Crust
Spumoni – Chocolate Gelato, Cherry Gelato, Pistachio Gelato, Chocolate Shell
Espresso
Part of the Crystal Cove Promenade Modo Mio Rustic Italian Kitchen has gained popularity amongst locals for health-conscious Northern Italian cuisine made without the use of Butter or Cream, owner Gian Franco Bertolino having unfortunately failed the same concept in Pacific Palisades.
Attended for a post-engagement dinner with fifteen guests, a lingering party delaying entry for several minutes, it was at a long table in the window that the party was seated to complimentary Bread and Mushrooms presented by an affable staff.
Crowded but inviting, the sort of place it seems Real Housewives might dine at lunch, Appetizers and Entrees tread fairly basic terrain though prices seem quite fair for things like jumbo Shrimp Scampi or Lasagna featuring Housemade Pasta and convincing Bolognese Sauce.
Less impressed by Short Rib Ragout, a lack of complexity despite tender Beef and the reported us of Burgundy Wine, better bites come from Penne with Chicken and Broccoli in Tomato-tinged Pesto plus Saturday-only Osso Bucco over creamy Risotto.
Not offered a Dessert menu, the attendees of honor instead given three sweets on a platter that was passed around, none were particularly impressive though the Ricotta Cheesecake did match well to the remaining sips of a modernized Bees Knees.
www.modomiorusticitaliankitchen.com

